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John Sterling, Longtime Voice of the Yankees, Dies at 87

Tributes across MLB highlight the reach of his 36-year run behind the radio mic.

Overview

  • His death, announced Monday by WFAN and the Yankees, was confirmed at age 87 with no official cause released.
  • He called Yankees games from 1989 to 2024, including 5,060 consecutive broadcasts and more than 5,400 regular-season games plus 211 postseason games.
  • Fans knew him for personalized home run calls and his elongated “Theeeee Yankees win” sign-off that became part of the team’s identity.
  • He retired in April 2024 after scaling back travel, and in 2026 he disclosed a January heart attack as outlets reported bypass surgery and a later hospital stay.
  • Broadcasters and teams across MLB paid tribute, with some mirroring his calls on air and the Yankees playing his post-win recording at Yankee Stadium.